Learn from leaders in the fields of dance/movement therapy and expressive therapies

Study full-time or part-time

Celebrate creative expression through the use of movement and dance

The 60-credit M.A. in Expressive Therapies: Dance Therapy with a Specialization in Mental Health Counseling trains students in the psychotherapeutic use of dance and movement. Students learn to address the emotional, cognitive, physical, and spiritual health of the individual. Dance/movement is the primary medium used for observation, assessment, research, therapeutic interaction, and intervention. The Lesley Dance Movement Therapy program focuses on using self as instrument, integration of theory and practice, making connections with diverse populations and building community.

The Dance Therapy specialization encourages students to become critical thinkers; creative, reflective, mindful practitioners; and instruments of therapeutic and social change. Direct supervised contact with clients from a range of populations is required within the 1,150 hours of field experience so that you can leave the program fully prepared for professional practice.

Low-Residency Option

The M.A. in Dance Therapy is also offered in a low-residency learning
model. Learn more. The 2015 residency will be held July 12 - 31.

Earn the Certified Movement Analysis (CMA) Credential

Lesley University and the Laban/Bartenieff Institute of Movement Studies (LIMS®) come together on an exciting and rigorous program which awards the Certified Movement Analyst (CMA) credential upon completion. This certification program consists of 4 modules, each consisting of a 17-day, 120-hour intensive residency at Lesley University. To learn more, visit the Laban/Bartenieff Movement and Somatic Studies Certificate page.

Creativity is long hours, unshakable routines, and a lifetime of digging in and forging until you get it right. Twyla Tharp, legendary dancer award-winning choreographer of more than 160 works, and author of several books perfectly topped off Lesley University's weeklong Creativity Forum with a rapid-fire call to action. Read more.

Expressive Therapies professor Vivien Marcow-Speiser is the recent recipient of the Distinguished Fellows Award from the Global Alliance for Arts & Health.“I’m very, very proud of this award. It means a great deal to me because it acknowledges the range and the depth of the work itself.” Read more.